Biomass Briquettes Market in India – Trends, Pricing, and Future Outlook
The Indian renewable energy landscape is experiencing a major shift, and bio mass briquettes are a key driver of this change. Derived from farm waste including rice husk, sawdust, and bagasse, these green fuels function as a sustainable and affordable substitute for conventional coal. Rising interest in cleaner fuels, combined with favourable schemes for renewable adoption, has positioned the Indian biomass industry as a crucial solution for industries seeking to cut both carbon emissions and operational fuel costs.
Overview of Biomass Briquettes and Briquette Coal
Biomass briquettes are pressed biofuels made by compressing organic waste materials. Unlike regular coal, they are free from harmful additives or emit dense smoke, making them ideal for use in industrial boilers and heating systems. These briquettes come in different forms such as round or rectangular shapes, depending on the briquetting machine.
The production technique enhances the calorific value of agricultural residues, providing efficient combustion and energy yield. This makes bio mass briquettes a sustainable alternative for industries in cement, textile, steel, and food processing sectors transitioning away from fossil fuels.
Current Briquettes Price per kg in India
The price of biomass briquettes per kg in India fluctuates depending on feedstock supply, regional market conditions, and seasonal demand. Industry estimates indicate that prices generally range between ?6 and ?10 per kg for standard biomass briquettes. Premium varieties featuring higher calorific value or high-quality compositions may fetch prices of ?12–?14 per kg.
Prices often go up during low residue availability months when raw material supply is limited. Similarly, increased demand in manufacturing hubs like Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu can push rates upward. Conversely, during harvest seasons when residues like bagasse and rice husk are abundant, prices may remain steady or decline.
Regional Insights into India’s Biomass Market
The demand for biomass in India differs by region, largely depending on industrial presence and raw material availability.
- Western India (Maharashtra, Gujarat): A major energy-consuming zone, this region leads in biomass utilisation due to proximity to agriculture-based raw materials supplying bagasse and cotton stalks.
- Northern India (Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh): Rich in agricultural output, it offers abundant paddy husk and wheat straw, fuelling significant briquette production and biomass energy projects.
- Southern India (Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh): Industrial sectors such as textiles and food processing are increasingly adopting biomass for cost-effective energy generation.
- Eastern India (Odisha, West Bengal): An emerging region where industries are exploring biomass to replace imported coal.
What Influences Briquette Coal Costs in India
Multiple factors influence bio coal pricing across the country:
1. Raw Material Type and Quality: Agricultural residues with higher calorific value such as hardwood sawdust and bagasse increase production costs but bio mass briquettes improve efficiency.
2. Moisture Content: Lower moisture improves combustion and fuel performance, affecting the overall price.
3. Transportation and Logistics: Due to the bulkiness of briquettes, logistics plays a major cost role, particularly over long distances.
4. Seasonal Demand: Colder months see higher industrial fuel usage, often resulting in temporary price hikes.
5. Government Policies: Supportive schemes and briquette coal incentives for renewable energy can help stabilise market pricing and encourage production expansion.
Key Industrial Sectors Using Biomass Briquettes
Across India, biomass fuel briquettes are increasingly replacing coal and furnace oil. Major applications include:
- **Boilers and Steam Generation:** Used in textile, paper, and food industries for their uniform heating and low ash output.
- **Power Plants:** Biomass-based units often use mixed fuel models to cut emissions and meet renewable quotas.
- **Brick Kilns and Metal Furnaces:** High calorific value makes briquettes suitable for thermal processing.
- **Rural Energy Use:** Promoted in rural cooking and heating, reducing firewood dependency.
Why Industries Choose Biomass Briquettes
Switching to bio fuel briquettes offers numerous benefits:
- **Reduced Carbon Emissions:** Produces much less CO?, SO?, and NOx than coal.
- **Efficient Waste Utilisation:** Converts agricultural residues that would otherwise be burned into valuable fuel.
- **Employment Generation:** Encourages community-level employment in collection, processing, and transport.
- **Energy Independence:** Enables industries to reduce fossil fuel imports.
Future Outlook for Biomass in India
India’s agro-waste resource base remains underutilised. With strong policy push, the market for bio coal briquettes is expected to see sustained growth. Emerging trends such as carbon credit trading will further boost adoption.
Government programs promoting biofuel manufacturing are likely to attract more capital inflows, leading to advancement of briquetting units. Innovations in advanced dryers will ensure better quality control and market reliability.
Final Thoughts
The briquettes price per kg and broader bioenergy dynamics in India reflect a maturing sector moving toward large-scale acceptance. As environmental awareness deepens, bio coal and bio mass briquettes continue to emerge as eco-conscious and scalable alternatives to coal. With proactive policies and industrial adoption from production-heavy sectors, the outlook for India’s biomass sector remains promising, paving the path for a carbon-neutral and self-reliant future.